Brazil Empire The Empire of Brazil (1822–1889) was a constitutional monarchy that existed after Brazil declared independence from Portugal. It was ruled by the House of Braganza and was the only monarchy in South America. Founder of the Brazilian Empire The founder was Dom Pedro I (Pedro I of Brazil), who declared Brazil’s independence from Portugal on September 7, 1822 and became the first Emperor of Brazil on December 1, 1822. He ruled until his abdication in 1831, passing the throne to his so